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8 Simple Rules is a comedy series staring John Ritter and Katy Segal. The series was inspired by the book "Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter," by W. Bruce Cameron. Paul Hennessy is a stay at home father of three children, two teenage daughters and a preteen son. He and his family reside in Michigan. His wife, Cate, is a nurse and the "voice of reason" in the family. His oldest child, Bridget, is rebellious and boy-crazy; middle child Kerry lives in her older sister's shadow; while Rory, lives only to antagonise his older sisters. The show is about his thoughts and feelings about guys dating his teenage daughter.

The series also features other members of the family such as CJ, Cate's nephew; Jim Egan, Cate's father; and Maggie Barnes, CJ's mother and Cate's younger sister.

The first season was focused around Paul and his daughters. Older daughter Bridget was very popular with boys, much to her father's dismay. The episodes were mainly about him trying to do what was best for his children, whether they liked it or not. He and his daughter argue about her behavior, clothing, and boyfriends.

The second and third seasons were centered on the rest of the family, due to John Ritter's untimely death in 2003. Ritter's character, Paul Hennessey was later written out and Jim and CJ were brought in.

Paul Hennessy dies in a supermarket while buying milk. His death had an impact on the rest of the family, especially Bridget. Bridget regrets her former attitude towards her father and changes her way.

The second season focused on the whole family, rather than just Paul. CJ and Jim move in the basement together and become and "odd couple" comedy team. Each of the children, especially Bridget, realize what their father meant to them and become better people.

The third season explores Cate's relationships after Paul. She starts dating her old sweetheart, Ed Gibb, the high school principle.

Eight Simple Rules is a family oriented light comedy that would appeal to anyone looking for family friendly comedy.

8 Simple Rules Full Episode Guide

Season 3 (0 sources)

Episode 24 - Ditch Day

10 years ago

Cate doesn't want to tell the family that she is dating Principal Gibb, and she finds it even harder when she's confronted at every angle at school...even though it is Ditch Day and hardly anyone else shows up!

Episode 23 - The Sleepover

10 years ago

After Principal Gibb and Cate fall asleep at the house while watching a movie, the family catches them and falsely assumes that the two are having a relationship. Meanwhile, Bridget, Kerry, Rory and C.J. are forced to go ice-fishing with Jim in order to spend quality time with their grandfather - but unbeknownst to them, Jim would much rather be left alone and is forced to keep up a happy fagade.

Episode 22 - The Teachers Lounge

10 years ago

When Cate and C.J. discover that Kerry has been e-mailing Bruno -- the boy she had a fling with in Europe -- they secretly try to snoop in her computer to find out what the two have been up to. But unbeknownst to them, Bruno is in the house and hidden in the attic by Kerry, while Bridget tries her best to talk her little sister out of doing something she may regret. Meanwhile, Jim discovers Rory's clandestine poker game and decides to deal himself in to teach Rory and his friends a lesson about gambling.

Episode 21 - The After Party

1 decade ago

After turning down Bridget's request to throw a "harmless" after-prom party in a hotel room, Cate decides to throw a school-sanctioned party at the house - which totally embarrasses her kids. Meanwhile, Kerry tries to make a political statement by inviting a girl to the prom, and Rory is overjoyed when a hot senior asks him to the dance.